Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Baker City, as it serves as a crucial tool for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. With maximum UV levels peaking at 11 during midday, it's essential to be aware of daily fluctuations to protect yourself from harmful rays. Nestled in a Csb climate zone, Baker City experiences clear skies and intense sunlight, particularly in summer months, which can heighten the risk of overexposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the great outdoors while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dramatic rise and fall in sun exposure risk. Starting early at 07:00 with a low of 1, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 08:00 and hitting 5 at 09:00. The sun's intensity peaks between 11:00 and 13:00 with an impressive 9 and then a maximum of 11 at 13:00, signaling a high risk for sunburn during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, a gradual decline follows, with readings of 10 at 14:00, then dropping to 8 by 15:00. The evening brings relief as the UV Index falls back to 5 at 16:00 and continues down to 1 by 19:00. Be sure to take precautions during those midday hours when the sun is at its fiercest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal changes in UV levels indicate a significant increase in sun exposure from early spring through summer. January and February experience moderate UV Index levels of 3 and 5, respectively, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, starting in March, the index rises to 6, marking the beginning of high-risk months, which peak in April with a very high index of 9, and continue to escalate to an extreme level of 11 in June. July and August maintain a very high index of 10, while September slightly decreases to 8. As temperatures cool in October through December, UV levels drop back to moderate and low categories, with a burn time of 30 minutes in October and November, and 45 minutes in December. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of April through September, using sun protection measures like sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to minimize skin damage and reduce the risk of sunburn.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Baker City | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |